Classic Wellcraft Beaches in Haulover Beach

A classic seven meter Wellcraft sportish cruiser with three persons onboard ended Beached at Haulover Beach, Florida on the afternoon of Sunday fourteen April.  The whole event was filmed by Wavy Boats, from the boat going out of Haulover Inlet into moderate to rough seas with winds of fifteen knots and wave height of about one meter, to it having engine problems, the beaching, and subsequent arrival of the Police and then towing by Fast Response.  The Wellcraft cabin cruiser took over half an hour for it to end up beached, enough time for a proper anchor deployment, and although this was made to aft port side, this was too short and deployed late.  Thanks to the boat beaching in sand, this classic Wellcraft should live another day as the towing back to safe harbour showed.

The classic Wellcraft in this beaching is a 250 Coastal as produced from 1986 till 1989.  Part of Wellcraft fishing line the 250 Coastal, was a soft evolution and replacement to the 248 Sportsman, recognizable by the larger window, and was replaced by the 2600 Coastal.

Project: Hatteras Chub Cay 77

Since the buy out by White River Marine Group of Johnny Morris in May 2021, Hatteras has been rather flat, with the company not presenting any new models and major moves for over two years, with it's latest model being the 105 Raised Pilothouse which debuted in that year.  Finally though at the Miami 2024 boat show, Hatteras finally announced not one but three new projects from 48 to 77 feet set to debut in the coming two years.  This Chub Cay 77 is the largest of these upcoming projects from Hatteras with the other two being an outboard powered cabin walk-around and a twenty meter sportfish yacht.  The Chub Cay 77 is the one which was provided with the most details of the three projects, with Hatteras advising for a four double cabins layout with a full beam midships located owners stateroom.  The rendering of the Chub Cay 77 shows a sportfish yacht immersed more then ever in Carolina sportfishing roots from the dramatic curved reverse shear line to an importantly flared bow.  Engine and performance information has not been announced with launching of the first unit planned for 2026.

www.hatterasyachts.com

Improve-it = Sunreef Power 80

Sunreef Yachts Power 80 is offered in the environmentally-friendly Eco version, what is a fully-autonomous power catamaran using revolutionary green tech for fuel-free cruising in total silence and luxury.  Designed and built to navigate in complete harmony with the elements, the Sunreef Power 80 Eco version is a pioneer in the world of responsible yachting, and unique in the industry, with its solar power system panels constructed from ultralight composite-integrated within the hull sides, mast, superstructure and bimini roof. Using an industry-first technology, the photovoltaic system can deliver up to 36 kWp. The yacht’s wind-free propulsion comes from twin 180kW electric engines providing top energy efficiency and performance. While under power, the Sunreef 80 Eco recovers energy from the passive motion of the two propellers thanks to an advanced hydro generation system. The energy obtained will be used to power both the propulsion and house appliances. The Sunreef Power 80 Eco system is also able to generate over 15 kWh while sailing above seven knots.

www.sunreef-yachts.com

Roberto Cavalli 1940 - 2024

Iconic fashion designer and serial yacht owner Roberto Cavalli left for the better World on the twelfth April, in his loved Florence at the age of 83. Roberto Cavalli was reported suffering from a long illness, and in his last hours was supported by his since fifteen years companion Sandra Bergman Nilsson. Born fifteen November 1940 Roberto Cavalli had a hard upbringing as his father was killed in the 1944 Cavriglia massacre, a Nazi reprisal on civilians, when he was four. Cavalli enrolled at the local Florence art institute, concentrating on textile print. While still a student, he made a series of flower prints on knit that caught the attention of major Italian hosiery manufacturers. In the early seventies he invented and patented a printing process on leather, and started creating patchworks of different materials, debuting these techniques in Paris, and winning commissions from the likes of Hermès and Pierre Cardin. At age 32 Roberto Cavalli presented his first namesake collection at the Salon for Prêt-à-Porter in Paris. He brought it to the catwalks of the Sala Bianca of Palazzo Pitti in Florence, and later his Milano Collezioni featured jeans made of printed denim, intarsia leathers, brocade, and wild-animal prints. In 1972 Cavalli opens his first boutique in Saint-Tropez, three years later Roberto Cavalli fashion house is opened incorporating "femininity, spiritedness, and leopard print" as its pillars. Roberto Cavalli acquired appeal for its stable and unvarying looks despite the changing trends. In 1994 at the Milan fashion week Cavalli presented the first sand-blasted jeans. By December of the same year, he had opened boutiques in Saint Barth, in the French Caribbean, followed by others in Venice and Saint-Tropez. Besides his main line, which is sold in more than fifty countries worldwide, Cavalli expanded his fashion house with the RC Menswear, Just Cavalli, Angels and Devils children, Class, and Cavalli-Cafe lines. Roberto Cavalli was on 18 June 2013 awarded an Honorary Master Diploma in Fashion Management from Domus Academy in Milan, during a ceremony after which he held a lectio magistralis. Roberto Cavalli will sell his company in March 2015 to Clessidra SGR fund of Claudio Sposito but keeping a minority share in the company. Roberto Cavali was married two times and had six children; Silvanella Giannoni in 1964, Eva During in 1980 , and his last companion since 2010 Sandra Nilsson Bergmann. As yachts go Roberto Cavalli owned five yachts; two super yachts, two maxi ribs, and a twelve meter sports cruiser. Roberto Cavalli first boat was a mid seventies Tecnomarine Tiger C42 as designed by Paolo Caliari, in 1999 he takes ownership of a Novamarine HD17 the largest rib build in that time, in 2004 he launches the Spadolini designed custom build Baglietto 40,8 mt Hull.10232 which he will keep till 2015, this is followed by the Novamarine Black Shiver 220 which he takes ownership in 2014, and then in 2018 he launches Spadolini designed custom build Cerri 27m Freedom. Roberto Cavalli also re-designed the interior of m/y Thunder during the 2015 refit of the 1998 build Oceanfast 49.98 meter Hull.71 as designed by Jon Banenberg.

Prestige Yacht Ends Aground in Cayman Brac

 

A nineteen meter Prestige yacht ended beached on the West end of Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands on the night between Friday to Saturday thirteen April.  A night of strong winds broke the swing mooring with the Prestige Yacht ending up beached. According to the photos and reports the yacht did try to deploy the anchor, but probably no time as the swing mooring was only located about two hundred meters away from the beach.  The Prestige yacht was rescued a week later, with reports of shafts and P-brackets hull puncturing damage coming from the beaching. 

The Prestige in this beaching is a 620 Flybridge model as designed by Garroni and produced from 2012 to 2015.  The 620 was Prestige flagship at launch, coming out as a replacement to the 60, and replaced by the 630.  Prestige also offered the 620 S, similar in many things but with a smaller sportier sport bridge up top.

Classic Chris Craft Ends Beached in Ocean Park

A classic ten meter Chris Craft cabin cruiser with one person and a dog ended aground and beached in Ocean Park, Long Beach, Washington state after a mechanical problem and rough seas disabled it on Friday twelfth April.  Michael Bonome the lone navigator in this story also ended in the water to rescue his dog, while trying to deploy his anchor.  The locals brought an ambulance to the lone navigator, and also opened a GoFundMe account to help him return his boat back in the water.  After navigating in the lakes and rivers, Bonome was trying his ocean navigation skills for the first time, when a mechanical problem put him in this situation.  Bonome is waiting for high tide to return his boat in the water.

The Chris Craft in this grounding is a 33 Offshore model as produced in the seventies.  The 33 Offshore was also offered in the 33 Sport Sedan variant, with a totally different convertible sportfish super structure and cabin layout.  The Chris Craft 33 Offshore came out as a replacement to the Catalina 33 Sedan in around the mid seventies.

Project: Azimut Grande 44M

Once upon a time Azimut-Benetti Group never felt the confidence to push Azimut Yachts beyond 35 meters, this was particularly shown in 2012 when the Grande 140 and 125 projects were eventually rebadged as Benetti Fast Line during project stages.  Things change with times and after 2021 and the launch of the Trideck 38 meter and its success of 21 hulls sold to date, Azimut is now going further into bigger dimensions, with the project for this new sleek looking and innovative Grande 44M project presented during the Palm Beach 2024 boat show.  Azimut’s new flagship is as all the recent offers a Low Emission Yacht with concept and exterior styling by Alberto Mancini and interiors by M²atelier, who are working with the Shipyard for the first time.  The Grande 44M as is the usual course of Azimut brings the future to the present, an expression of its mission to marry technological innovation, visionary design and a focus on environmental sustainability. Grande 44M amazes by offering something that doesn’t exist today: a superyacht with reduced CO2 emissions that brings bold, flowing lines to a design with four decks rather than the traditional three, embracing and sculpting significant volumes. Grande 44M is a super yacht that offers a unique and unexpected onboard lifestyle for this segment, with a stand-out Upper Deck, which can be converted into an Owner’s Deck with uninterrupted sea views both forward and astern. The concept underpinning the innovative styling created by Azimut in partnership with Alberto Mancini, is the decision to move the helm station to the fourth deck, freeing up the Upper Deck so that it can be transformed into an Owner’s Deck featuring the master suite and a private terrace offering spectacular views. to aft, the Grande 44M reoffers the Mezzanine Deck with Sea View Terrace that was central to the success of Grande Trideck theme. On the Grande 44M, this stage overlooking the sea is made even more unique by the See Through Pool, with its plays on transparency that establish continuous contact with the water and generate reflections that give the beach club an even more magical feel. The new layout means that architecture firm M²atelier, who are working with Azimut for the first time, could create an interior design that balances functionality and aesthetics, making the owners’ experience central and offering versatile settings to configure according to how they like to spend their time with family and friends. The forward section of Grande 44M’s Upper Deck can be fitted out as a media room for guests or reserved for the owner, or alternatively as a dining area with veranda accommodating twelve people. In both cases, almost two-meter-long windows on either side provide open views outside, where a lounge area in the bow with a small firepit offers a cozy space from which to watch the sun set over the water. It’s a lifestyle aspired to by everyone who loves the sea. Water is the key element in the narrative told by m²atelier, capturing its essence and giving back fluidity, dynamism and reflections. m²atelier, a firm with an international reputation for creative projects in multiple sectors, from residences and hotels to retail and product design brings as a distinctive signature for Azimut a clear message, accented by refined, subtle, whispered details that seduce with a discreet simplicity completely free of affectation or overemphasis. Grande 44M is not only a design and lifestyle masterpiece, but also a highly advanced naval architecture project and a new milestone in the green course charted by Azimut. The yacht is also the flagship of the Shipyard’s family of Low Emission Yachts, models that offer a reduction  between 20 and 30% in emissions compared to more traditional naval architectures of the same size. The innovative naval platform of Grande 44M is based on a Dual Mode hull, the introduction of the Hull Vane® foil technology and the Mild Hybrid Plus Zero Emission Hotel Mode system. The Dual Mode hull, developed in partnership by P.L. Ausonio Naval Architecture and the Azimut Research and Design department, represents the union of two types of conventional hull: the bow section is typical for fast displacement boats, while the part from midships to the stern has a chine commonly found on planning hulls. This results in a hull that allows a considerable reduction in fuel consumption and emissions at every speed range. The foil technology is installed for the first time on an Azimut yacht thanks to the collaboration between Hull Vane, Dutch company global leader in the design of advanced hydrodynamic solutions, and the Azimut|Benetti Group Research and Design Department which has gained a great experience in the design and production of carbon components. The Hull Vane® carbon wing fitted to the stern of Grande 44M is able to suppress the stern wave and generate forward thrust, providing further reduction in overall drag as well as damping of pitch, sway, and roll in navigation. The ability to combine onboard comfort with a focus on environmental sustainability is a stand-out feature of the designs developed by Azimut, which now already offers six models that can be fitted with a Zero Emission Hotel Mode system, making it possible to stay at anchor from up to eight hours with the generators turned off. On the Azimut Grande 44M this technology achieves maximum efficiency in combination with the Mild Hybrid Plus system, a new level of electrification developed by Azimut|Benetti Group in partnership with Asea Nautica. The Mild Hybrid Plus Zero Emission Hotel Mode system is the only solution today that makes it possible to cruise with the generators off and all loads connected, as well as producing a surplus of energy used to recharge the battery pack. Grande 44M is scheduled to be presented to the public at the Cannes 2026 boat show, with Azimut already announcing five units sold at the unveiling of the project during the Palm Beach boat show.

www.azimutyachts.com

New Launch: Baglietto Superfast 41m hull #10242

Baglietto has launched an aluminum custom build 41m Superfast super yacht hull number 10242, titled m/y Francesca II. This Baglietto 41m custom Superfast is characterized by a strong personality and comes from a design by Francesco Paszkowski who also signed also the interior in collaboration with Margherita Casprini, and naval architecture by Bacigalupo.  Paszkowski designed a flybridge yacht of important size, yet with a stream lined profile that even though she is a flybridge yacht, makes her one of the most sleekest yachts in size.  Fully custom this 41m Superfast bears a personal layout, with all guests cabins located on the lower deck: master stateroom at amidships, VIP suite forward, and two guest cabins with twin single beds that can slide convert into double beds. On the same deck, closer to the stern, are the crew quarters and lobby located beside the engine room and conveniently accessible directly from the main deck, they include accommodation for five with a captain’s cabin and two double cabins for the crew, and a galley with dinette. The aft garage, which opens on one side, is used to store a tender. The main deck has been devised in such a way as to ensure a harmonious continuum between interior and exterior areas. Two sliding doors, one located aft and the other on a side, provide access to the dining area and to the conversation area of the main salon. The latter is brightened by the natural light flowing through two ceiling-high windows, which also ensure a wonderfully close contact with the sea even when living indoors. The pilot station can be found forward of the main salon. The outdoor aft cockpit hosts a lounge area, while the sunbathing area on the aft swimming platform is perfect to relax by the sea. Another sunbathing area and a second conversation area have been set up at the extreme bow of this modern, impressively functional yacht. A second pilot station, with a pleasant relaxation area just behind it, can be found on the fly bridge. Baglietto's custom Superfast hull number 10242 is fitted with triple MTU 1920hp with jet propulsion system, delivering a top speed up to 33 knots and a cruise 28 knots. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 41 m (134.5ft)

Beam - 8 m

Draft - 1.40 m

Displacement - 165 t half load

Fuel Capacity - 15,000 l

Water Capacity - 2500 l

Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, five crew in three cabins

Engines - 3 x MTU 12v2000 M96L 1920hp

Propulsion - jet drives

Speed - 33 knots max 28 cruise

Construction - aluminum

Project - Francesco Paszkowski exterior interior, Margherita Casprini interior, Bacigalupo naval architect

Certification - ABS

www.baglietto.com

Maritimo Yacht Sinks in Baja Mexico

 

A sixteen meter Maritimo yacht titled m/y Sea Horse ended aground and partially sank in Baja, Mexico on the tenth April.  The video of the yacht aground and partly sank was shown on the YouTube channel Cruising Mexico with Jimni, the day after the accident was reported on happening, who showed both outside and inside of Sea Horse.  The yacht had its stern fully destroyed with the collision to the rocks, and was stripped of anything of value.  A hundred meters away to the yacht grounded on a beach was also the yacht's tender, which was also stripped of everything of value.  The causes of the sinking of this Maritimo yacht are not reported.

The Maritimo in this grounding is a M54 Flybridge Motor Yacht as produced from 2016 to 2021.  Featuring a signature down under enclosed bridge design the M54 was a replacement to the M53 and was replaced by the M55.

New Model: Sessa F48

Sessa presents the new F48 a further evolution of the Fly47, a hull which was actually born as the 45 Fly in 2011. A model which has its roots to a design by Christian Grande the new Sessa F48 is further enhanced to aft and for its external spaces while maintaining the comfort and privacy of the original design.  This increase in length of 66 centimeters has benefitted the F48 with the following upgrades; more aft cockpit deck space which now features seven square meters of space making the largest in its size, larger bathing platform with galley, and standard twin Volo 550hp engines power with IPS pods drives which give speeds up to 35 knots. Standard power for the Fly 47 was twin Volvo 480hp. For the remaining the Sessa F48 keeps the virtues which has made this model quite a popular choice in its previous two versions, with a three double cabins accommodation plan, and a choice of a central or aft galley layout on the main deck.

Technical Data:

LOA - 14.90 m (48.9ft)

Beam - 4.38 m

Draft - 1.10 m 

Displacement - 17499 kg

Fuel Capacity - 1391 l

Water Capacity - 559 l

Max Persons - sixteen

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D8 550hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS dual propeller pod drives

Speed - 35 knots max

Project - Christian Grande

Certification - CE B

www.sessamarine.com

Paolo Pininfarina 1958 - 2024

Renowned designer and chairman of the Pininfarina Group, Paolo Pininfarina left for the better World on ninth April 2024 at the age of 65, surrounded by his family and loved ones in Turin.  Following the death of his brother Andrea in 2008, Paolo took chairman duties of the Pininfarina Group, the design firm which was founded by his grand father Battista "Pinin" Farina in 1930 after leaving his brothers coach building Stabilmenti Farina firm in 1928.  Pininfarina is recognized as one of the most influential automotive designers, designing endless iconic cars for Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat, Maserati, Lancia, in Italy and Daewoo, Hyundai, and Peugeot beyond the shoe shaped peninsula.  At the height of its business in 2006 which also included automotive production, Pininfarina employed 2,768 employees in its Turin head quarters and its other offices in Europe, USA, and Morocco.  Pininfarina entered yacht design in the end 1970's first with Magnum, then the designing of both the two Italian Blue Ribbon Challengers; Azimut Atlantic Challenger and Destriero, Beneteau in both sailing and motor boats, some works for Azimut in the early nineties, to then join Bruno Abate in redesigning all the Primatist G and B series sport cruisers and yachts in between 2006 to 2012.  In 2017 Pininfarina joined forces with Princess Yachts first with the R35, a collaboration which then extended to all the newer and larger models which followed from Plymouth.  Pininfarina also designed one off super yachts for Abeking and Rasmussen, Oceanco, and Rossinavi, with collaborations also made with renowned yacht designer Fulvio de Simoni.

Project: Rizzardi InSeven Plus

Rizzardi present the project for the InSeven Plus, an upcoming 24 meter flagship for the central-South Italian yacht builder.  Rizzardi has seen a lot of success with the In-line, which took over from the Incredible series in 2019 debuting with the InSix model, and has so far today delivered over 25 yachts.  This is the second time a new flagship is announced when in 2021 Rizzardi presented the InEight saying that it has finalized the project stages of the model.  The new InSeven Plus is a blend of sportiness, elegance and technology, with the usual Rizzardi aggressive design and sleek lines, but is also a concentrate of comfort and functionality.  At 24 meters long  this new project follows in the footsteps of the large sporty open hard-tops InFive and InSix. The access into the cabin area with come through a large patio door, highlights a large contiguous area between the external and internal environment. The spaces are surprisingly spacious for a sport yacht, and the interiors will be customized according to the owner's requests, as per usual Rizzardi tradition. From a technical point of view, like all the In models the propulsion of the InSeven Plus is again trusted to surface drives, which supported by the "Auto-Trim" system, guarantee not only excellent performance levels but also planning at low speed. On the bridge, the maneuverability will be entrusted to the electronically controlled joystick for the automatic control of the surface propellers, thus simplifying the yacht's movements during mooring, with the InSeven Plus also offered with the digital anchoring function, what is a first for surface drive propulsion.  Rizzardi InSeven Plus can be powered by twin Man 1800 or 2000hp which with the surface drives will give top speeds of 43 and or 45 knots respectively.  The first unit of the Rizzardi InSeven Plus is reported in initial construction phase with a launching date not yet announced.

www.rizzardiyachts.com

New Model: Bering B72

Bering Yachts’ shipyard in Antalya, Türkey has launched the first unit of its 72 model. Designed by Sabdes from Australia the 72 is a stylish ocean-going explorer yacht, an improved extended version of the 65 model, which is into it's fourth hull since launched in 2013. Increased size means more space and boosted capabilities for reliable and comfortable cross-Atlantic travel or leisure time spent with the close ones, and this is what the Bering 72 is all about. A significant part of the improvements in the 72 has been made after interviewing owners of other Bering yachts, taking into consideration the comments and suggestions tor better comfort and usability. The three decks of Bering 72 offer plenty of opportunities to travel the sea, with a lower deck offering a three double guest cabin layout with an owners stateroom forward.  A two berth crew cabin with bunks berths is also located at midships in between the guest cabins and engine room.  The Bering 72 is powered by twin Cummins 326hp for a top speed up to ten knots, and a cruise of eight, this giving a range up four thousand nautical miles.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 22.18 m (72.6ft)

Waterline Length - 20.5 m

Beam -  6.45 m

Draft - 1.87 m

Displacement - 120 t *loaded. 120 gt *volume

Fuel Capacity - 24,000 l

Water Capacity - 2855 l

Accommodation - six guests in three cabins, one crew cabin for two

Engines - 2 x Cummins QSL9 326hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - ten knots max, eight cruise

Range - 4000 nautical miles at eight knots  

Hull Shape - full displacement

Construction - steel hull alumimium super structure

Project - Sabdes exterior, Bering interior and naval architecture

Certification - CE A, Class available on request

www.beringyachts.com

Project: Focus 3X

Focus present the new 3X project an eleven meter innovative sport cruiser, which shines for its efficiency, and adaptability, and a thoughtful design which leaves nothing untouched, fusing the dynamic excitement of a sport cruiser with the liberating experience of an open boat. One of the innovative features of the Focus 3X will be an innovative exterior with a two-meter wide electric side windows and glass hardtop in the cockpit, enabling it to seamlessly transition from an enclosed hard-top to an almost entirely open cruiser. A unique feature for a sport cruiser of this size which provides unparalleled flexibility. The 3X cockpit is also masterfully designed for open-air enjoyment, boasting a sleek aft central sunbed and secure walkaround side decks. Two cockpit layouts, are available all revolving around the dinette which goes from an L-shaped to opposite settees. The helm station of the Focus 3X is again testament to thoughtful design and practicality, boasting a two-meter wide leather-trimmed dashboard, comfortable dual seating, ample leg-room, and a customizable Isotta steering wheel, prioritizing the pilot's comfort and command. Inside the Focus 3X offers a spacious master cabin forward and bathroom with a dedicated overhead shower offer home-like comfort, complemented by expansive hull windows for direct sea views. The saloon includes a fully equipped galley and a convertible seating area for additional sleeping space. The Focus 3X also comes with two lower deck options, for a twin cabin version with double berth cabin at midships or this replaced by a standing refrigerator. The Focus 3X is standard powered by twin Mercruiser 430hp gas engines on sterndrive, with five further engine options being available for diesels from twin Volvo 270 up to Yanmar 370hp with a twin Mercury 400hp outboard option also being available.

www.focus-motoryachts.com

Classic Sunseeker Goes Ablaze in River Itchen Southampton

A twelve meter Sunseeker sport cruiser went ablaze in American Wharf, near Ocean Village, River Itchen, Southampton just after 06:30 morning time of Sunday seventh April. The fire was reported by a nearby boater who called 999, with the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service responding to the blaze with two fire fighting engines. The fire was complicated to control also because the boat was in the middle of the marina, and the ongoing strong winds of Storm Kathleen. Ultimately the blaze was controlled at 08:30, with the boat later being lifted. The cause of the fire is not officially reported, though on a Facebook Group one said it originated from a short circuit by the bow thruster.

The boat in this fire is a Sunseeker Thunderhawk 43 as designed by Don Shead and produced from 1988 to 1991.  The Thunderhawk 43 was Sunseeker's Offshore series flaghship in its time, the fast boat range which debuted with the 34 XPS Portofino.  The Thunderhawk 43 was a replacement to the 39 Cobra, and was replaced by the Sunseeker 45 Apache.

Sunseeker Yacht on Fire in New River Fort Lauderdale

A nineteen meter Sunseeker sport yacht went on fire while berthed near the Alluvion Building, New River, Fort Lauderdale on the afternoon of Saturday sixth April. It is not reported if the yacht was attended at the time of the fire, with the fire looking as starting in the cabin area of the main deck.  A video on Instagram by the Lifestyle Miami page showed three fire fighters fighting the fire in the cockpit, while newsroom WPLG also showed a video with the Fire Fighters and a TowboatUS boat arriving at the scene and starting to fighting the fire.

The Sunseeker yacht in this fire is a Predator 62 as designed by Don Shead and produced from 2005 to 2008.  The Predator 62 came out as replacement to the larger but less spacious inside Predator 68 and was replaced by Predator 64.

XL Marine New Web Site

XL Marine presents its new web-site. Founded in January 2006 by Alessandro Giambalvo, Salvatore Oliviero, and Antonio di Mennato as naval architect, with all the three managers coming from a previous experience with Itama.  For this XL Marine inspired itself to the traditional fast open cruiser and yacht and the professional roots of its founders, with clean uncluttered lines and wrap around windscreen, but with comfortable exterior and interior decks, and customization to both main cockpit living and the lower cabin deck.  XL Marine debuted with its first 43 model on 29 May 2006, what is still it's most successful model to date with fourteen units produced till 2012.  The 43 was followed by the 51 model in 2008, and the 45 in 2012.  For the time between 2015 and 2021 XL Marine has not produced any models, but was more concentrating on maintaining and refitting boats and yachts.  From 2022 guided by Salvatore Oliviero and Antonio de Mennato as naval architect, XL Marine has restarted production.  Today XL Marine offers three models 45 2024 second generation model, 55 Walk Around, and 60 project.  The new XL Marine website takes you with the following buttons; Home, Chi Siamo (who we are), Gallery, Fiere ed Eventi (shows and events), e Contatti (contacts).  XL Marine is also present on social media with bottom left links taking you to its Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin pages.

www.xlmarine.it

Production History: 

43 2006-12 (14) 

45 2012-14 (2)

51 2008-12 (6(7) *includes 51 HT S)

51 HT S 2012 (1)

45 (ii) 2024- (2

55 WA 2025- (2

XL Marine 43 #1 launching on 29 May 2006

New Model: Ocean Alexander Puro 35P

Ocean Alexander has during the 2024 Palm Beach boat show idebuted it's new Puro 35P super yacht. Puro means Pure in Italian, and here we see as the title says the Taiwanese Ocean Alexander debut its first with an Italian designed yacht from top to bottom, in both style and naval architecture, and for over a decade or more exiting it's own sphere of yachts designed by London based Evan K. Marshall. Designed by renowned Italian architect Giorgio M. Cassetta in collaboration with Andrea Agrusta of NavalHEAD responsible for naval architecture, the Puro 35P comes as a three deck semi-wide body design, with accommodation for ten guests including a full beam owner stateroom on the forward part of the main deck.  Crew accommodation is for six persons in three cabins on the forward part of the lower deck, an area which will also include a crew mess with an L-shaped dinette and a galley.  Ocean Alexander Puro 35P is powered by twin Man 2000hp for top speeds up to 24 knots.  The Ocean Alexander Puro 35P seems to have gotten to a flying start with four more units currently in build.

Technical Data:

LOA - 34.6 m (113.6ft)

Waterline Length - 29.2 m

Beam - 7.44 m

Draft - 2.31 m

Displacement - 144,300 kg, 273gt *volume 

Fuel Capacity - 19,040 l

Water Capacity - 2500 l

Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, six crew in three cabins

Engines - 2 x Man V12 2000hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 24 knots max

Hull Shape - semi displacement

Construction - fiberglass

Project - Giorgo M. Cassetta exterior and interior, Andrea Agusta NavalHead naval architect

Certification - RINA class

www.oceanalexander.com

Project: Zeelander 8

Zeelander present the project for the 8 model, soon to be taking place as the new flagship in its classic inspired line of the Dutch yacht builder which today starts at fifteen meters. The brand new 8 is an aesthetic development of the smaller Zeelander models which are so coveted by yachting connoisseurs, and will feature the same speed, quietness and immaculate finish that have helped position the brand at the top of the yachting sphere. The new Zeelander 8’s S-shaped shearline, gracefully raked stern and wrap-around windscreen will seduce longstanding fans of the brand, as well as newcomers. Zeelander has imbued the yacht with the same effortless curves as the smaller models. In fact, you will struggle to find a plain, straight line anywhere about the exterior. This is a contemporary design with a quality of timelessness, which ensures the boat will look every bit as good in twenty years as it does now. Designer Cor D. Rover’s experienced touch is again evident in the balance and proportion of the yacht. Despite her impressive 23.9m length overall, she so closely resembles her smaller sisters that it is hard to make out her scale from the renderings. Only seeing the yacht alongside and with a human figure aboard betrays her true size. Full details of how Zeelander has made the most of the extra volume afforded by the long hull and its six meters plus of  beam have yet to be revealed, except to say that the yacht will offer three double cabins for guests and space for up to three crew. It is also clear that the yacht will feature an innovative drive-in tender garage which builds on the system developed for the Zeelander 6 and 7. Once again, Zeelander has poured its industry-leading experience of noise and vibration attenuation into the new design. It enables the yacht to operate at full speed without noise levels on board ever breaking the 72dBa barrier. In other words, the Zeelander 8 will always be an oasis of comfortable calm even at forty knots. Construction is already well advanced at Zeelander’s newly expanded build hall in Groot-Ammers. This facility was recently renewed and extended in order to be able to accommodate client demand for larger yachts. The Zeelander 8 is to be powered by quadruple Volvo 900hp or 1000hp with IPS pod drive propulsion, with top speeds up to forty knots with the large engine option.  The first Zeelander 8 is to be delivered in Summer 2024. Zeelander Yachts’ range now includes four models: Zeelander 5, Zeelander 6, Zeelander 7 and Zeelander 8.

www.zeelander.com

Sport Cruiser Goes Ablaze at Mission Harbour Fraser River

A ten meter sport cruiser went ablaze while berthed at Mission Harbour, near the Mission Bridge on the Fraser River, Canada on 05:30 early morning time of Thursday fourth April 2024.  The blaze was reported by witnesses from the Mission Bridge, as Mission Fire Rescue Service intervened for the fire with multiple crews.  Ultimately the boat sank and also damaged part of the dock which she was moored to, on its starboard side.  Following the sinking Mission Fire Rescue Service deployed a containment boom around the boat, and also recovered the discharged engine oil.  The fire left no one injured, with the cause of the blaze being under investigation by the Canadian Coast Guard.  Later in the day a contractor was given duties the following Friday to remove the sank sport cruiser, with the plan to do this on Sunday.

The sport cruiser in this fire is a Cruisers 3570 Esprit as produced from 1995 to 2000.  The 3570 Esprit came out as a replacement to the 3370 Esprit, with the model evolving into the Cruisers 3572 Express, same boat with extended bathing platform and a different cabin layout.

New Model: Sealine S335

Sealine presents its new S335 model, a hard-top open sport cruiser as designed by Bill Dixon.  An evolution of the S330 which was presented in 2014 and recognizable by the larger hull side window, the Sealine S335 also shares platform with the fully enclosed main deck C335, and is also available in a V for outboard version.  The Sealine S335 offers a main deck with C-shaped dinette to port side with opposite wet-bar, single seat helm station to starboard, and a double passenger settee to port side.  Down below the Sealine S335 is standard offered  in a forward and midships double cabins layout, with a spacious shower head to starboard, and a furniture unit to port side. You do not like this option, no worries as the S335 is offered in two other options form the choice of a J-shaped dinette to port side or galley, to replacing the forward cabin with a U-shaped dinette.  The Sealine S335 is standard powered by a single Volvo 340hp with stern drive propulsion for up to 28 knots speeds, with a bigger 440hp and or twin Mercury diesels 270hp options being available.  The S335v outboard version is powered by twin 300hp and is estimated to give top speeds up to forty knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 10.31 m (33.9ft)

Hull Length - 9.99 m

Beam - 3.50 m

Draft - 0.98 m

Displacement - 6.14 t

Fuel Capacity - 570 l

Water Capacity - 220 l

Max Persons - eight

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins, or four plus two

Engines - 1 x Volvo D6 340hp, 440hp, 2 x MD3.0l 270hp

Propulsion - Volvo DPI duo prop stern drive, or twin Mercury Bravo three duo prop stern drives

Speed - 32 knots max with Volvo 440hp, 38 with 340hp

Construction - sandwich with isophtalic gel-coat and first resin of vinylester resin

Project - Bill Dixon

Certification - CE B

www.sealine.com

Super Yacht Fire Extinguished in Fort Lauderdale

A 28 meter classic super yacht titled m/y Estrella under Jersey registry had an onboard fire while berthed behind a home in Marathon Lane, Riverland, Fort Lauderdale, Florida on the morning of Wednesday third April.  Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue where quick to arrive to the scene, and control the blaze.  No one was onboard the yacht when the fire started, with this reported to starting from the main deck.  The causes of the fire are under investigation, with the yacht reported unplugged from it's shore supply when the blaze started, although Estrella does feature a self sufficient Lithium powered solar panel electrical system. 

M/y Estrella the yacht in this fire is a 1998 Broward 95 foot, build in alumimium to an exterior design and naval architecture by its builder, and interior by Dee Robinson.  Estrella is currently listed for sale with Luke Brown Yachts.

Classic Hatteras Collides Into Punta Gorda Bridge Florida

A classic sixteen meter Hatteras motor yacht titled Game anchor drifted and collided into the US41 bridge, in Punta Gorda, Florida on the morning of Wednesday third April.  Charlotte County Sheriff Office reported that the yacht was unattended during the collision, with Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and Florida Highway Patrol being on the scene monitoring the situation.  Strong winds up to fifty knots with its anchorage drifting are the reason the yacht collided into the bridge.  Although unattended during the collision, this classic yacht is reported to be a liveaboard for one person.

The classic Hatteras in this bridge collision is a first generation 53 Motor Yacht as produced from 1969 to 77.  Designed by Jack Hargrave the 53 Motor Yacht was Hatteras flagship at launch, and one of its longest produced models, and including the second version which arrived in 1978 sold over 350 hulls in a nineteen years production up to 1988.

Six Persons Saved from Sinking Super Yacht Near Sines

Six persons and a dog were saved when a 31 meters super yacht titled m/y Sandalphon had water ingress in its engine room and started sinking near Sines, to the South of Lisbon, Portugal on the dawn of third April.  Following the water ingress the super yacht went out of power with the call coming to the Portuguese Navy, the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center and the Captain of the Port of Sines to rescue Sandalphon and its crew.  The Sines Lifesguard Station responded to the call, collecting three of the passengers and transferring them to the port of Sines, while the remaining three crew members stayed onboard to save the vessel and prepare an organized towing.  Ultimately Sandalphon was saved as SuperYacht Times reporting the yacht being towed back to its home at Balk shipyards for repairs on 27 June.

M/y Sandalphon is a 2017 Balk Shipyard 31 meter as designed and naval architected by Azure from the Netherlands to an expedition long distance trawler style.  Sandalphon has an intriguing story, starting life in Brazil at Fortaleza, then at 27 meters in length and running late without a completion date in site, that is until Balk Shipyard came to the rescue.

Project: Princess F58

During the 2024 Palm Beach boat show Princess announced the project for a new F58 flybridge motor yacht to arrive in early 2025.  As designed by Bernard Olesinski and Pininfarina the F58 will sit in between the F55, and the F65.  By assumption I would have said the F58 would replace the F55 which has been in production since 2017 with a stylistic make over in 2021, but so far at least on declaration from Plymouth this does not seem to be the case, even though this new model is only half a meter longer.  A feature headlining the F58 is that she is to be the first Princess below 24 meters to offer a hotel service battery generated silent mode, probably also one of the few motor yacht's in this size.  The Princess F58 will also offer a spacious living main deck in it's size, and is one of the few yachts at eighteen meters with astern galley layout to offer both a dinette in front of the galley, and relaxing sofa on the raised part of the split level saloon.   As an example both the 2023 debutants, the Ferretti 580 and the slightly smaller Fairline Squadron 58 offer only a C-shaped sofa forward, which transforms to a dinette when needed.  Is this extra space in the inner saloon traded for the aft cockpit deck, for that to fully know we will have to wait for 2025, but on plans it does look to be the same size of the F55.  Down below the Princess F58, will offer a traditional three double cabins two head layout, with a full beam midships master stateroom, a forward VIP, and a third cabin with two single berths.  A crew cabin is located aft.  The Princess F58 is to be powered by standard twin Man 1000hp engines good for up to 31 knots, with optional 1200hp giving a 34 knots top speed.

www.princessyachts.com

Pershing Yacht on Fire in Dubai

A 26 meter Pershing super sport yacht titled m/y Spirit of Zen went ablaze when moored in her berth at Dubai Marina, Dubai on 11:12 of the morning of second April.  Fire fighters from Dubai Harbor Station responded first to the fire five minutes later, and where then followed by Dubai Civil Defense, with the fire extinguished at 12:28.  No one was injured in the fire, although it is not reported if the yacht was attended at the time of the blaze.  The yacht was badly damaged and listed on its port side, and then sank after the fire was extinguished.  The cause of the fire is now under investigation by the relevant agency.

M/y Spirit of Zen is a 2002 Pershing 88 as designed by Fulvio de Simoni and produced from 1999 till 2004 in seventeen units.  Launched to high acclaim in 1999 as the Pershing flagship, the 88 was considered the yacht of that year, nick named the silver bullet for its color scheme and sporty looks.  The 88 was replaced by the Pershing 90.

Princess Yacht Ends Aground in Elmwood Australia

A fifteen meter Princess sport yacht with one person onboard ended aground near Beach road, Elmwood, Victoria, Australia on the morning of Tuesday second April.  It is not understood if the person ended aground for an error of navigation or to save the yacht because she was taking on water.  Australia's Channel 7 broke the news saying the person onboard secured the yacht before parting ways.  Unconfirmed news said the Princess yacht was removed from the area after three days.  The Princess yacht in this sinking was reported sold just about a month ago.

The Princess yacht in this grounding is a V50 as designed by Bernard Olesinski and produced from 1998 to 2005.  The Princess V50 was presented as a filling model between the V40 and V55, and was replaced by the V48 in 2006.

New Model: Wally Power50

At the appointment of the 2024 Dusseldorf boat show in January, Wally came full guns blazing by presenting its new Power50 model. Spanning the arc between the Wallytender range and the Wally Power58, the new Wally Power50 is so flexible and adaptable that it can serve as anything from chase-boat to tender to day-cruiser to luxury weekender to high-octane thrill-ride, proof indeed that whatever life you want to lead, the Power50 is the bridge that can take you there. The Wallypower50 combines the more open design of the Wallytenders with the more spacious areas of the Wallypower58, with an extensive options list that means you can define a Wallypower50 to meet your operational wishes. Love the vertical stem and inimitably striking lines of the Wallypowers? The new Wallypower50 carries that design DNA in her profile and her hull, matching flair with finesse. But if you want an element of Wallytender practicality, no problem as you can spec a wraparound fender like those found on the Wallytenders to give you more rugged workhorse capability. Central to the onboard experience is the beautifully drawn balance between rugged practicality and sublime functionality, and it is here that the shared genes between the Wallytenders and the Wallypowers is truly evident. The wallypower50 boasts all the open space of her smaller cousins, which lends herself perfectly to working tender operational parameters, but adds touches that speak to her standalone capabilities too. There are two sunbeds aft instead of one, with a generous walkway between them offering easy boarding and disembarkation; moreover, drop-down aft bulwarks extend the aft deck space by six square meters, creating a luxurious area for enjoying the sea or enjoying a sundowner or two with family and friends. Forward of the sunbeds, nestling under the protection of the angular cockpit structure yet still delivering an alfresco feel, is the cockpit saloon. A dining table with banquettes and further bench seating comfortably accommodates eight guests, with space for more on forward-facing bench seats plus the helm chairs. Of course, there is also a foredeck sunpad with adjustable headrests, ideal for soaking up some rays at anchor or away from prying eyes when moored stern-to; there is also easy access to the hidden anchoring system, which itself is not only a neat design trick but also means even the foredeck is clutter free. The helm itself is elegant and modern, offering all controls to hand and with two large MFDs providing access to all operating and systems data as well as a comprehensive navcomms suite. The helm is ideally located for all-round visibility – particularly pertinent when riding the wallypower50 to her higher performance limits. Below, the wallypower50 reveals her power roots, with not only a full head and shower but a welcoming space that can offer everything you need for weekending, or even longer cruising. A large forward double berth, cosy saloon area and kitchenette galley, all finished to the highest standards, mean the wallypower50 can just as easily be your pied-a-terre wherever you wish to go – a luxurious and inviting studio apartment that’s perfect for couples. The wallypower50 doesn’t just encompass flexibility, she also offers a bridge into the rarefied world of true performance boating because if a thrilling, responsive, exhilarating dream-ride is what you’re after, of course there’s a version for you. The standard WallyPower50 is powered by twin Volvo 480hp with IPS pod drives propulsion for a thirty knots cruise and a top speed of 36 knots, all the while combining performance with easy handling thanks to a perfect hull, and joystick control with optional DPS for close-quarters situations. For those who revel in real performance, there’s the Wallypower50X. Offered in two variants, each with quad Mercury outboards, the 50X multiplies the Wally factor and takes you for a serious blast. With the quad 400hp options, you’re looking at a 48-knot max with a range of 240 nautical miles. Step up to the quad 500hp option and watch the Wallypower50X power to more than fifty knots. It's not just about grunt, of course. The wallypower50 and 50X draw on a deep-V hull to offer stability at speed and the ability to cruise faster even in bigger seas, meaning more scope to enjoy everything the wallypower50 offers in more conditions.

Technical Data:

LOA - 14.6 m (47.9ft)

Hull Length - 14.6 m

Waterline Length - 13.6 m

Beam - 4.3 m

Draft - 1.3 m

Displacement - 12.9 t dry, 16.6 t loaded

Fuel Capacity - 1400 l

Water Capacity - 240 l

Max Persons - twelve

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 480hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS650 dual propeller pod drives

Speed - 36 knots max, thirty cruise

Range - 240 nautical miles at cruise

Hull - warped modified Vee with spray rails and eighteen degrees deadrise aft

Construction - fiberglass with carbon fiber

Project - Luca Bassani, Ferretti Group engineering

Certification - CE B12/C16 RINA certified with modules B+F

www.wally.com

The Sport Cruiser is Back

When nearly everyone seemed to stop believing on the medium size sport cruiser here comes British builder Fairline and its new Targa 40 to show and remind us, why in all sizes, a two cabins sleek looking sport cruising boat is still one of the best way to go at sea.  This new Fairline Targa brings evolution to the species, and finally we see drop down bulk-heads integrated cleverly in a sport cruiser design.

The twelve meter medium-sized open sport cruiser has been hammered in the past decade, by center consoles and dual consoles, and arguably the most successful models in this size are over ten years old.  Like the Princess V40 presented in 2017 a soft evolution of the V39 which came out in 2012, while an other success is the Sessa C38 which is still doing very well despite its fall 2009 presentation.  Both these models have had a long standing success, and while arguably they offer everything for a typical family of a couple and two kids to go a week cruise, it's worth noting that they did bring nothing new to the table beside a hard-top to say similar sized models from the late nineties and early noughties, and some other soft evolutionary design touches.

Interestingly even Galeon which was the first major production builder to push folding down bulkheads in the aft deck with its 500 Fly model in 2015 to the masses never offered a sport cruiser of eleven to twelve meter in size with this system. Its 405 HTS is in fact an evolution of the Galeon 385 which debuted in 2010.

Where do we go from here, will be interesting.  Like in anything if Fairline's new Targa 40 will sell out the competition it will not be long, before the main competition starts offering similar featured, add drop down bulk-head models.  The good thing is the sport cruiser renewal has started.

Azimut Super Yacht Crashes Into Haulover Bridge Safety Barriers

A 32 meter Azimut super yacht titled m/y Double Trouble collided into the bull nose safety barriers of Haulover's Inlet Bridge in Miami, Florida, on the morning of thirtieth March.  The event was filmed by Marco from Philly with Wavy Boats YouTube channel sharing the event first, with Boat Mania Hub and Haulover Inlet Boats giving a different perspective drone filming of the collision the following day.  The yacht did a big noise as it collided with the safety barriers, which caused a damage of six gapping holes damage of about ten centimeters squared, and probably some glass damage in it's midships port side.  The yacht moved away from the collision on its own power.  On Facebook Wavy Boats said that the yacht tried to make a half circle turn to allow incoming traffic to pass, while on YouTube the story is that the Azimut yacht noticed that it could not pass from under the bridge because of high tide.  

M/y Double Trouble is an Azimut Grande 32M as designed by Stefano Righini for exterior with interiors by Achille Salvagni and naval architecture by Ausonio, and produced onwards from 2018.  Designed by Stefano Righini the Grande 32M came out as a replacement to the Grande 30M, and has far sold in 26 units.